Friday, March 16, 2012

The Museum of Islamic Art

In preparation for our first visitor (YAY Sue!!), we've been checking out a couple more sites that we had not gotten around to yet. One of these sites was:

I'm surprised we hadn't yet been there. We'd passed by it countless times, a stunning building that catches your eye as you drive along the Corniche. And we'd already been to the new park beside it many times. And... entrance is free of charge! It was definitely time to check it out.

Kaiya and I went on our own on a Friday afternoon, and as we walked around the building, all I could imagine was the photos Jeff would take of the beautiful geometric architecture. The building has amazing lines. So we brought him back with us the next day. We only took a peak at the actual exhibits: every single piece is encased in highly polished glass which the security guards watch like a hawk, asking you not to touch. Not a winning combination for a 4-year old. But the building itself is gorgeous with fantastic views of the water. And hey... the fountains are fun to play in.

I was right. Jeff had a blast taking shots of the museum. I hope you enjoy his artistry.

The palm-tree-lined walkway leading up to the museum.

The entrance to the museum. Unfortunately, the fountains were not going. They were being cleaned. Impressive nonetheless.

The view of the city from the museum. We love the building on the left.

A bridge into a part of the museum we were not allowed to enter. I love all the shapes and angles.

Inside. Looking up at the top floor.

The cafe and the many walkways leading across the different floors.

Another view of the cafe. Doesn't it feel like you're on a big ship?

Jeff loved how you could look up and see feet when you stood under the walkways.

Looking up, up, up in the middle of the museum. The repetitive octagon is the most common design found in Islamic art and architecture.

Love the arches. To the left are more fountains.

Taking pictures of friends taking pictures.

I.M. Pei, a famous Chinese-American architect, was coaxed out of retirement in his 90s to design the museum. He spent 6 months touring the region in order to learn about Islamic art and architecture before creating his design.